From the job descriptions below, extract the basic abilities required and use the job classification method to evaluate the jobs. The basic abilities system to be used as the basis for the job classification follows the job descriptions.

Job Descriptions

Mail clerk: Sorts mail and runs postage meter. Takes mail to post office. Picks up supplies from supply houses. Picks up and delivers mail within the office. Takes Photostats to photographer. Drives mail truck. Reports to mailroom supervisor.

IBM Clerk: Operates IBM machines to perform tabulating, sorting, bookkeeping, and reproducing functions. Wires control panels from diagrammed instructions. Performs miscellaneous clerical duties. Reports to data processing supervisor.

Keypunch Operator: Operates keypunch to record written and typed information on IBM cards. Verifies work of other keypunch operators. Reports to data processing supervisor.

File Clerk: Sorts, arranges, and files documents and correspondence. Finds and pulls needed information and documents from files. Picks up and delivers filing from and to other departments. Reports to department secretary.

Clerk Typist: Types, files and performs miscellaneous clerical duties. Reports to department secretary.

Advertising Manager: Meets salespersons and advertising solicitors. Escorts visitors through office. Composes, edits, and prepares layout for copy. Assists in preparing newspaper, radio, and magazine advertising. Acts as chairman of annual supervisors meeting. Prepares weekly bulleting for supervisors. Answers correspondence. Composes letters and ads for agents. Supervises marketing department in the absence of department head. Formulates advertising policy. Meets with advertising agency representatives. Attends policy-making meetings. Reports to marketing department head.

Assistant Purchasing Agent: Supervises supply and service department. Keeps inventory of supplies. Processes orders from departments. Orders office supplies. Provides for service calls from suppliers of office equipment. Supervises mailroom. Reports to purchasing agent.

Secretary: Takes and transcribes dictation on confidential matters. Sets up and maintains necessary files and records. Relives superior of minor administrative details such as reports and requisitions. Makes appointments. Meets and directs callers. Answers routine correspondence. Reports to department manager/head.

Grading Rules Used in the Basic Abilities System

Rule 1: Classifications that require a basic skill or knowledge that can be acquired in only 3 to 6 months shall originally be graded to salary grade III, whereas classifications that require a basic skill or knowledge that takes 1 year or more to acquire shall originally be graded to salary grade V.

Rule 2: Classifications that do not require the ability to exercise independent judgment shall be moved up one salary grade if in addition to basic skills or knowledge they require one of the following:

1. Knowledge of department or company procedures.
2. Ability to work under unpleasant conditions.
3. Ability to act as a group leader, directing two to four employees.
4. Ability to get along with people and meet people.

Rule 3: Classifications that do not require the ability to exercise independent judgment shall be moved up two salary grades if in addition to basic skills and knowledge they require one of the following:

1. Knowledge of company procedures and products.
2. Ability to work under hazardous conditions.
3. Ability to organize and direct the work of four or more employees.

Rule 4: Classification that because of some combination of grading rules 1, 2, and 3 are in salary grade V shall be moved up two salary grades to grade VII whenever the requirements to exercise independent judgment is added. No job classification shall be graded to VII or above unless it requires the ability to exercise independent judgment and no classifications in the first six salary grades can possess this requirement.

Rule 5: Classifications that are in salary grade VII, because of rule 4, shall be moved up one salary grade if in addition to basic skills or knowledge and independent judgment, they require one of the following:

1. Knowledge of company procedures and products.
2. Ability to work under hazardous conditions.
3. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of others.
4. Ability to create or design company procedures or products.

Rule 6: Supervisory classifications must be graded at least one salary grade above most

of the classifications supervised. For purposes of this rule, the lead worker who is ordinarily the senior member of a group of three to five workers is not considered a supervisor. With this elimination, the three supervisory classifications are:

1. Group leaders, who direct the work of from two to four employees engaged in the same type of work as their own.
2. Group supervisors, who organize and direct the work of from four to eleven employees engaged in the same general type of work.
3. Supervisors, department heads, and assistant department heads, who plan the work of other employees a well as organize and direct it. All employees in this group must exercise independent judgment.

As a result of the operation rules 2 through 5, group leaders will commonly be graded one grade above the employees supervised, and higher supervisors classed two or more grades above he employees supervised. Rule 6 has an independent effect only in those cases in which the condition that it states is not already met as a result of rules 2 through 5.